Winner of NASA Power Beaming Challenge Uses Lasers to Create a Virtually Limitless Power Supply
Seattle, Wash. (June 13, 2011) – LaserMotive, an independent R&D company specializing in laser power beaming and winner of the 2009 NASA Power Beaming Challenge, today announced it has been invited to demonstrate its wireless power systems for unmanned aerial vehicles at the NASA Day on the Hill, Wednesday June 15 in the Rayburn Foyer, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington DC.
The annual event, which is open to the public, features exhibits highlighting NASA’s Earth and space science portfolio, cutting-edge aeronautics research and technology development and continued leadership in human space flight and exploration. LaserMotive is only one of two non-NASA contractors to be invited.
LaserMotive will be showcasing its system based on laser power beaming – the wireless transfer of energy over long distances using laser light – to create an endless source of power to aircraft, lunar rovers and more. The demonstration will include a fully functioning laser-powered micro helicopter, based on technology LaserMotive developed for its winning entry in the 2009 NASA Power Beaming Challenge. Since then, the company has used its technology to set world records for laser powered helicopter flight, first in August 2010 at the AUVSI Conference in Orlando, Florida, and again in October 2010 at the Future of Flight in Mukilteo, Wash.
“We’re pleased to have been invited to be a part of this annual event,” said Tom Nugent, president and co-founder of LaserMotive. “Our wireless power technology enables electric aircraft to be recharged in flight, which we believe will ultimately extend their abilities, improve their endurance and enable new missions.”
Headquartered in Kent, Wash., LaserMotive is a privately-held R&D company specializing in laser power beaming for commercial applications. The company was co-founded in 2006 by Dr. Jordin Kare, one of the foremost experts on laser propulsion, and Tom Nugent, former Research Director for LiftPort Group. Its industry partners include some of the leading companies in aerospace and lasers, including The Boeing Company, DILAS, MS Kennedy, Ophir Spiricon, Zaber Technologies, and In-Tec. For more information, including a white paper on LaserMotive’s UAV strategy, please visit the company website at www.lasermotive.com.
